The Dangers of Kissing Newborn Babies

Herpes and its Risks for Babies

Around 67% of the population carries the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), often without realizing it. Many people don’t show symptoms, which can unknowingly put others at risk of infection.

One tragic case involved a baby who contracted HSV-1 and passed away just weeks after birth. Despite no one kissing the baby in the mouth, the virus was transmitted within the first week of life. It’s believed the virus spread when the baby touched contaminated surfaces, as the virus can remain dormant even without visible symptoms.

HSV-1 is typically spread through contact with saliva or a blister. The most contagious time is when blisters are forming, but it can also spread when symptoms are not visible, as the virus can be dormant in the skin cells.

Protecting Babies from Herpes

New parents are advised to take extra precautions when handling newborns. In one case, a baby contracted neonatal herpes despite the parents having no symptoms. The family stressed the importance of avoiding contact with newborns, especially with anyone with cold sores or visible blisters.

How Can a Newborn Baby Catch Herpes?

A study published in 2017 found that 85% of herpes-infected newborns contract the virus during delivery. Many women may have herpes without realizing it due to mild or no symptoms. The virus can remain dormant for long periods and may reactivate during physical or emotional stress. Herpes can be spread even when symptoms are not visible because the virus sheds intermittently, meaning it can be active without causing noticeable sores.

For HSV-1 (oral herpes), the virus is typically transmitted through contact with an infected person’s lesion, such as a cold sore. This can happen if someone with a cold sore kisses the baby, or less commonly, if they touch the cold sore and then touch the baby.

During Pregnancy and Labor

If you contract genital herpes for the first time in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, your newborn is at risk of contracting the virus. The risk of passing herpes to your baby is higher if you have a vaginal delivery. However, if you’ve had genital herpes before, the risk is much lower.

After Birth

Herpes can be transmitted to a newborn if someone with a cold sore kisses the baby. The virus can also spread if a mother has a herpes blister on her breast and feeds the baby from the affected breast or gives expressed milk from it. A newborn is most vulnerable to herpes in the first 4 weeks after birth.

It’s important to avoid kissing a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of passing the virus. Cold sores and other herpes blisters are most contagious when they rupture and remain contagious until fully healed.

Warning Signs in Babies

Newborns are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, so if they catch the virus, they can become seriously ill very quickly.

Risks of Kissing a Newborn

While kissing a newborn may seem like an innocent gesture, it can increase the chances of spreading harmful germs. A baby’s immune system is still developing, and its ability to fight off illness is not fully developed. Here are some of the risks associated with kissing a newborn.

1. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
   Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common virus that causes painful rashes and sores around the mouth, hands, feet, and sometimes the legs. It primarily affects babies and children under the age of 10, though anyone can catch it. The virus spreads easily through close contact, making it a risk for newborns.

2. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
   RSV can be especially dangerous for babies and young children, as well as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. It spreads easily through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or kissing and can lead to severe respiratory issues, even potentially being fatal for vulnerable populations. Visitors with cold symptoms or those who have recently recovered from an illness should avoid contact with the baby.

3. Immune System Vulnerability
   Since a baby’s immune system is still developing, they are more susceptible to infections. Exposing them to germs before their immune system is fully capable of defending them can increase the risk of illness, potentially leading to hospitalization or long-term health issues.

4. Allergic Reactions
   Allergens can be transferred through close contact, such as kissing. Things like skincare products, chapstick, or even food remnants can transfer onto your baby, triggering allergic reactions that might not be immediately obvious. Even a seemingly harmless kiss could expose your baby to something that they are allergic to.

5. Cold Sore Transfer
   Cold sores (or fever blisters) are highly contagious and can be easily passed on through kissing. HSV-1, the virus that causes cold sores, can cause lifelong issues for babies. If someone has an active cold sore, kissing a newborn can transfer the virus not only to their mouth but to other parts of the body, including the brain. Protecting your newborn from this risk is crucial to prevent lifelong health complications.

What Can Parents Do to Protect Their Babies from Herpes?

If you develop sores or blisters in the genital area during pregnancy, inform your doctor immediately. It could be something as minor as an infected hair follicle or a more serious issue like herpes. Early detection allows for better care during pregnancy and delivery.

Newborns are most at risk if the mother is infected with herpes or has her first outbreak late in pregnancy, as there hasn’t been enough time for the body to develop and share protective antibodies with the baby.

If your partner has genital herpes and you’ve never been infected, it’s recommended to avoid sex during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmission. Taking precautions near delivery is crucial.

How Should We Protect Our Baby?

Our expert advises that hands should be washed frequently before any contact with the baby. It’s important to avoid having guests, and the baby’s room should be well-ventilated. Anyone caring for the baby should wash their hands thoroughly. Kissing the baby poses significant risks, as bacteria can be transmitted through direct contact, and even simply smelling the baby is not advised. While we may feel fine, we could still be carrying infection-causing factors. The herpes virus, for example, can be passed on through direct kissing, even if there is no active sore at the time. To minimize risk, it’s best to limit contact with the baby, especially in the early stages.

How Do Healthcare Providers Protect Newborns from Herpes?

During labour, doctors will thoroughly examine the perineum and cervix for any lesions. If any are found, a C-section may be recommended to avoid contact with active sores, as they present a significant risk of infection. If a woman has a history of herpes but no symptoms at delivery, the risk of passing it to the baby is less than 1%.

To further reduce the risk of an outbreak near delivery, antiviral medications like acyclovir may be prescribed starting around 36 weeks. This helps decrease viral shedding and the likelihood of active lesions, potentially allowing for a vaginal delivery instead of a C-section.

After birth, if a baby is at high risk for HSV infection, the pediatrician may order tests and consider starting antiviral treatment even before results are received. If the test comes back positive, antiviral treatment will continue.

The Danger Period

Experts highlight that the herpes virus is most dangerous when blisters or lesions are present, and infants should not be kissed during this time. While deaths from neonatal herpes remain rare, they do happen, and the emotional toll on affected families is devastating.

Hygiene is Key

Strict hygiene is crucial when it comes to protecting infants from herpes. Thorough hand washing is essential and shared eating utensils should be avoided. Visitors with active cold sores should refrain from contacting the baby until they are healed.

For concerned parents, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional about the risks and the best precautions to take. Discussing these safety measures with anyone visiting the newborn is also important.

Recommendations for New Parents

Regardless of whether you have herpes, it’s crucial that anyone who wants to hold or touch your newborn wash their hands first. This simple step can help protect your baby from not just herpes but other illnesses as well.

Avoid allowing anyone with a cold sore, or anyone who has had one recently, to hold or kiss your baby. If you’re concerned about offending friends or family, ask your nurse or doctor to help communicate this message. It’s their responsibility to ensure both you and your baby are safe.

Whenever possible, avoid taking your baby to crowded public places for a few months after birth. This can reduce the risk of exposure to herpes and other infections from respiratory germs.

Always be alert if your Baby is Weak.

Experts also warned that many infections have similar symptoms, urging families to stay vigilant for any changes. Watch for signs such as a decrease in the baby’s sucking, excessive sleepiness, difficulty waking up, or fatigue. Fever may also be present. When an infection is transmitted to a newborn, it can spread quickly throughout the body. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional at the first sign of any change in the baby’s behaviour during the newborn period.

A blood test can help determine if there’s an infection, followed by a blood culture. If there’s a concern about meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid may be tested for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis leads to quicker treatment. Given the overuse of antibiotics in some areas, certain bacteria, like pneumococcus, have started to develop resistance to some treatments. One of the primary roles of physicians is to educate families on baby care and the importance of family vaccinations to prevent illness before it occurs.

Conclusion

Is kissing a baby a bad idea? If the person has HSV-1, the answer is yes. To minimize the risk, maintaining excellent hygiene and being extra cautious during the early weeks is critical. If you’re worried about the possibility of exposure, it’s always best to consult your family doctor for guidance. Even if there are no visible symptoms, seeking medical advice is a proactive way to ensure the safety and health of your baby.